Survival blanket

First of all, what is a survival blanket?

A survival blanket plays a crucial role in preserving life in various circumstances. It consists of a waterproof, thermally insulating material, initially designed to prevent hypothermia in an accident victim. But its usefulness doesn't stop there. In fact, this blanket offers effective protection against external elements such as wind, rain and snow. As such, it is an indispensable safety feature in emergency situations. Generally made from a light, resistant material, it is capable of retaining up to 90% of body heat, thus maintaining the thermal comfort of the individual requiring help.

However, the survival blanket has several applications. Thanks to its reflective properties it can be used as a signaling device to attract the attention of rescue teams. It can also be used to a limited extent as a rain poncho or improvised stretcher. Nevertheless, its main role remains that of providing assistance to any casualty, whether during a night out or other outdoor activities.

The essential survival blanket

In addition to its primary function in emergency situations to prevent hypothermia, the survival blanket offers a wide range of applications during outdoor camping activities. For example, it's common to use it as a ground mattress to protect against uneven ground when bivouacking under the stars, without a tent. Some people also transform it into an improvised tarpaulin, creating a waterproof roof for the night. Its effectiveness as a windbreaker is also valued in this application. In short, it's as important as a water purifier, for example.

The cover also proves versatile in other contexts. It can be used as a waterproof bag, a sunshade in a car or at the beach, and even as an insulator for a sleeping bag during a bivouac. Surprisingly, it can also be used to collect water through condensation.

Obviously, its extreme lightness and compactness make this accessory extremely functional beyond critical situations. So there's no reason to neglect this essential piece of equipment for outdoor adventures.

Take your pick from all our survival accessories, or opt for a complete kit from our Survival Kits. Here are two recommended brands for survival blankets: Arva and Sol.

The different types available on the market

There are two main categories: reusable and single-use. Each type has two distinct sides: one retains heat while the other keeps you cool.

Non-reusable:
These blankets are often adopted by hikers and trekkers thanks to their light weight (generally under €5). They are made of mylar, but remain fragile because they are only made of a thin film.

Reusable:
These are thicker, offering greater durability for multiple uses (minimum cost €20).

Bivy Bag:
An improved version that looks more like a sleeping bag, offering superior insulation while being versatile (starting at €20).

The choice will depend mainly on specific requirements and available budget. But don't forget the survival blanket is as indispensable as the survival compass!

How to use your survival blanket

In a critical situation where someone feels the intense cold, you need to act fast! Use your survival blanket to reduce excessive caloric loss and preserve body heat as much as possible.

Caution: Don't wrap the blanket too tightly around an injured or ill person. Position the blanket according to your specific needs:

• Silver side inwards to protect against hypothermia.
• Gold side outwards to protect against hyperthermia.